O'Connor gets a run as Wallabies flyhalf stocks run dry

SYDNEY : There was a time when it seemed like Australia could whistle up a fresh world class playmaker at will but those days are long gone and Wallabies flyhalf stocks are looking threadbare with little more than a year to go until the World Cup.

James O'Connor will be the third starter in five tests this season against Argentina on Saturday, coming in for Quade Cooper after his fellow thirty-something was injured again in last week's win over the Pumas in their Rugby Championship opener.

The 32-year-old O'Connor has much to prove after returning from one of a string of injuries to put in a poor display against England in July as a second-half replacement for Australia's designated flyhalf of the future, Noah Lolesio.

"We talked about him needing to sharpen up and he's been doing that," coach Dave Rennie told reporters from Argentina.

"It's really around acceleration and sharpening up his skill set. Attitude wise he's been brilliant, he couldn't have been more supportive. It's great that he gets the opportunity on Saturday.

"Our thinking is he's going to go through to the World Cup but only time will tell. I think he's keen to get out there and show he's got plenty of footy left in him."

The versatile Reece Hodge will back up from the bench with no place even among the replacements for 22-year-old Lolesio, who started all three tests against England last month.

"He's disappointed," said Rennie. "We've communicated areas where we want him to be better. But he's a good kid, I reckon he's going to be an excellent international 10 and he's working hard on growing his game."

It is a far cry from nine years ago when Rennie's fellow New Zealander Robbie Deans had five credible candidates to play flyhalf against the British and